Search - Rudresh Mahanthappa :: Kinsmen (Dig)

Mahathappan Masterpiece

Scott Williams | Oakland, CA United States | 09/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Overview:

Kinsmen is a collaborative effort between Rudresh Mahanthappa and fellow Indian saxophonist Kadri Golpalnath. While Rudresh's style is that of a modern jazz sax player, Kadri's style is based in traditional Indian music. It is fascinating to hear them both solo and compare and contrasts the different styles. Together they lead a classic world jazz fusion ensemble and arguably one of the finest fusions of Indian music and jazz ever. In addition to the Indian and jazz theme, there is also a 60's hippy transcendent spiritual vibe going on. This is most apparent in the stellar guitar playing of Rez Abassi. If you are like me and you have never heard of Kadri Golpalnath, Rez Abassi, or violinist A. Kanyakumari, Mridangam player Poovalur Sriji, bassist Carlo de Rosa, or drummer Royal Hartigan, you are in for a treat. Each musician has a unique style and delivers a stellar performance on this album. This is hands down Mahanthappa's best effort as a leader. There is great soloing by everyone throughout the album and the song writing offers a great variety of sounds and textures and feature clever song writing. The album also flows really well from start to finish. There is nothing not to like here.



Song Highlights:

Convergence (Kinsmena) - This 15 minute marathon alone would make the album a worthwhile purchase. The song begins by giving each of the musicians a chance to solo and show off their stuff. However, the real highlight occurs about half way through the track when Mahanthappa and Golpanath do a call and answer section and trade breaks. Just when you think it can't get any better they solo simultaneously while playing slight variations of the same theme. The subtle differences on theme somehow seem to fit together just perfectly. This is true convergence... Astouding!



Ganesha - This song has the catchiest theme of the album. It is sort of a drunken swinging sounding thing with a lot of texture.



Kalyani - This song Features a nice guitar solo, by Rez Abassi. It has a trance-like meditative feel to it. The mood, tempo and theme change several times throughout the song.



This album get's my highest rating. This is absolutely essential listening for Mahanthappa fans, and any fans of both Indian and jazz music.





"

Brilliant and Original

robert spitalnick | Great Neck, NY USA | 01/12/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great recording. Outstanding jazz playing especially on saxophone with an Eastern tinge. I recommend this highly."

Extraordinary

Sssan | Bay Area, California | 03/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mahanthappa and South Indian clasical saxophone master Kadri Gopalnath have produced a work that enthralls and dazzles. The other musicians in the ensemble prove to be masters in their own right - Kanyakumari excels on violin, providing a superb counterpoint to the two saxophones. Rez Abassi's guitar work combines virtuosity with restraint.



Mahanthappa knits this all together and produces a work that deserves all the accolades and recognition that this and his subsequent album "Apti" have been receiving. The long pieces 'Ganesha' and 'Convergence' in particular give these extraordinary musicians an opportunity to stretch, and provide the canvas for Mahanthappa's musical vision to be fully realized."